Caterham High School has been awarded membership of the National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE), a national organisation that identifies schools supporting high achievers.
This recognition is attributed to the school’s Think Hard strategy, a classroom technique that encourages high-achieving students to tackle complex questions.
They are said to engage in deeper problem-solving, and test memory and reasoning skills rather than settling for easier answers.
These efforts have borne fruit, with all of Caterham’s more able students scoring grade 5 or above in both maths and English last year.
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In addition, 83 per cent of these students achieved grade 7-plus in GCSE English and maths, equivalent to an A grade.
Across all GCSE subjects, their average grade was 7.7, and there were 49 grade 9s across all subjects.
Headteacher Belinda Chapple said: “We are very pleased that our work in supporting more able students reach their potential has been recognised.
“In our small school community, our philosophy and strategies allows us to know all of our students’ needs very well and to support them all to achieve their very best so that they can step forward in life with confidence and success.
“Our membership of NACE is partly to do with the work we do in the classroom to challenge our brightest pupils.
“Using challenging questions to stimulate thinking and critical analysis helps students develop a much deeper understanding of their learning.”
She added that she wanted pupils’ brains “to overheat with the intensity of the work they are doing”.
“We want them to take these routes rather than going for the easy questions, and this will stand them in good stead in their future careers.”
The school’s NACE membership places it among a select group of schools nationally recognised for nurturing academic excellence and providing opportunities for more able learners.
Ms Chapple said: “This recognition highlights our commitment to nurturing academic excellence, supporting high-potential learners, and providing challenges for all.
“We are proud of all of our students’ achievements and the dedicated staff who support them every step of the way.”
